Are you planning a family trip or a solo trip to London? Good news: you really do not need to spend much money on an unforgettable adventure. There are loads of amazing family-friendly attractions in London that are free to visit and thus a boon for locals or visitors on a budget.
From hands-on museums to vast green parks and from landmarks to street performers, the entire city provides entertainment for toddlers, teens, and adults.
So, step into some comfy walking shoes and get your camera ready. Here are 14 fun and free things to do in London for free that your whole family would enjoy.
1. Discover Dinosaurs at the NHM
Start your London trip with an unforgettable experience at the Natural History Museum. From the iconic skeleton of the blue whale suspended in Hintze Hall to life-sized dinosaur models and even the farther-than-most earthquake zone for the little hands-on awe-inspiring, this museum truly offers an endless learning opportunity to which kids and adults can subscribe.
- South Kensington | For inquisitive minds and dinosaur lovers
- Don’t miss The animatronic T-Rex and the earthquake simulator.
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2. Launch Yourself at the Science Museum
One next to the Natural History Museum is another family favourite – the Science Museum. It’s brimming with hands-on exhibits about space, technology, transport, and the future.
It even has a play centre for little children called The Garden and a flight simulator (though that one you’d have to pay for). It is also considered among the best things to do in London for free.
- South Kensington | Interactive exhibits for all ages
- Bonus: The museum shop has science-themed toys that double as souvenirs.
3. Roam Around Hyde Park, Among the best things to do for free in London
First off, put Chinatown sweet treats on the back burner and get some fresh air at Hyde Park in London! It boasts playgrounds, duck ponds, and open spaces perfect for a family picnic or an impromptu game of catch.
There is more adventure in store with paddle boating or simply taking a lovely walk around the Serpentine.
- Central London | Outdoor family fun
- Pro tip: Check out the nearby Princess Diana Memorial Playground; kids love it!
4. Witness the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
Changing of the Guard has to be an essential London classic, well lively and colourful, and would mesmerize children. See the guards in uniform march with military precision at the sound of a live band.
It is free to watch and an excellent opportunity to pour in a little royal history.
- Buckingham Palace | Great for a family photo op
- Check the official schedule, as it doesn’t happen every day.
5. Say hello to the lions at Trafalgar Square
Kids can climb the four giant bronze lion statues at Trafalgar Square and burn off some energy. Nearby, the National Gallery (also free!) has a treasure trove of art for older children who enjoy paintings or want to try spotting Van Gogh or Da Vinci.
- Charing Cross | Culture and climbing in one-stop
- Don’t forget to bring bread crumbs for the pigeons!
6. Play and Learn at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)
The V&A, while named in an art-and-design museum tradition, is quite family-friendly. And those family backpacks, trails, and hands-on, creative zones scattered throughout will just thrill any child!
Finally, the garden courtyard gracing the middle provides an excellent place for a snack or simply to have a nice rest.
- South Kensington | Inspires creativity in young minds
- Time your visit during school holidays for kid-focused workshops.
7. Explore Greenwich Park & Stand on the Prime Meridian Line
Let your kids stand in two hemispheres at once, literally! In Greenwich Park, you can find the Prime Meridian Line at the Royal Observatory (paid for entry), but the park itself and the view from the hill are completely free. There’s also a fun playground and deer park nearby.
- Greenwich | Iconic views + playgrounds + space to run
- Catch a free walking trail to learn more about the history of the park.
8. Visit the Imperial War Museum, One of the best free things to do in London for families
It is quite powerful and informative for older children and teens. There are tanks, aeroplanes, and accounts of instant impact causes which histories about World Wars I and II, along with much wartime of yesterday and today.
- Lambeth Road | Great for kids aged 10+
- Free entry and easy to reach by bus or tube.
9. Wander Around Covent Garden and Watch Street Performers
Magicians, musicians, living statues – you never know what (or who!) you’ll find at Covent Garden. Kids will be mesmerized by the performances, and there are often food stalls and fun little toy shops to explore.
It’s one of the most energetic and entertaining spots in London.
- Covent Garden | Live shows + snacks = happy kids
- Bring small change if you want to tip a performer.
10. Admire the Views from Sky Garden (Book in Advance!)
Skip the overpriced London Eye; the Sky Garden remains one of London’s best-kept spots for city views for free. This 35-floor garden atop the “Walkie Talkie” building is filled with lush indoor greenery and offers sweeping vistas across London. Entry is free, but booking in advance is paramount.
- Fenchurch Street | Great for all ages, with family-friendly facilities
- Visit during sunset for magical family photos!
11. Walk Through the Southbank Along the River and Enjoy the Views
Walk along the Thames from the London Eye towards Tower Bridge. This route is lively, with street performers, pop-up art shows, food stalls, and buskers. A pleasant option at night, this is just right for you and a few friends scouting for things to do in London for free at night.
- Southbank | Great for an evening walk
- Check out the skate park – kids love this one!
12. Go to the British Museum and Explore the Ancient Wonders
Go back in time with your kids, looking at the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and ancient Greek sculpture – all for free! Being one of the most famous and one of the oldest museums in the world, the British Museum will probably appeal more to the older kids who are just starting to identify relics of the past.
- Russell Square | For history aficionados
- Family activity booklets are provided at the entrance!
13. Sit Back in Kensington Gardens and Look Out for Peter Pan
For families that love fairy tales and fresh air, the famous statue of Peter Pan draws them from Kensington Gardens. Another delight is the Diana Memorial Playground – a place where kidlets can climb, swing, and dig – a mare inspired by pirate ships and Peter Pan.
- Kensington | Dreamland for kids
- There are shaded seating areas for parents, too!
14. Explore the Sir John Soane’s Museum,
A hidden gem for 10-plus! Older kids and teens interested in history, architecture, or curious collections will find this quirky museum immensely enjoyable. Filled with antiquities, sketches, and sculptures, the peculiar layout gives the impression of a treasure hunt in real life.
- Lincoln’s Inn Fields | Hidden gem for ages 10+
- Free tours are offered. Check online for timing.
Conclusion: London’s Free Fun is Limitless!
London offers evidence that the best, indeed, are free when it comes to family vacations. With its combination of interactive museums, green parks, famous places, and lively neighbourhoods, London can provide learning experiences to children while allowing parents to spend less.
Witness a dinosaur fossil, watch street magic in Covent Garden, and admire the panoramic skyline view at Sky Garden. Having so much fun ever making a memory for a new day, it would rarely be impossible to go wrong with any of these options for first-time Londoners.
Pack some snacks and just get on with your family bags to visit this great city for free as there are plenty of free things to do in London for families.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Things to Do in London for Free
Below are the answers of the most asked queries on the internet regarding things to do for free in London.
Q1. What are the free things to do in London at night?
Trips could include walking along the South Bank; just remember that you’ll be able to see the evening ceremony of Changing of the Guard at the Horse Guards Parade only in the summer; sightseeing by night from the Sky Garden; and listening to the buskers at Covent Garden.
Q2. So what are some free activities to do for couples in London?
Come for a stroll around Hyde Park, chase some sunset views at Sky Garden, visit museums free of charge, and amble along the Thames riverside – a perfect (and cheap!) date.
Q3. And some good ones to entertain the kids in London free of charge?
Among the favourites are the Science Museum, Natural History Museum, Diana Memorial Playground, and Covent Garden street performers.
Q4. Does London have free stuff to do on Sundays?
It sure does! Museums and parks also – all manner of markets stay open and free on Sunday. A perfect day to explore the British Museum or chill out in Kensington Gardens.
Q5. What free things can families do in London this weekend?
Check Visit London for family event listings. Otherwise, stick to the guaranteed favourites: Hyde Park, Changing of the Guard, and free museum visits.
